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Sekkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Maitreya Stone Buddha Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県葛城市染野387
Visiting Status Hidden image (next special opening: January 1–31, 2027)
MysteryDepthStillness
The Maitreya Stone Buddha preserved at Sekkoji Temple dates to around the late 7th century, in the Hakuho period, and was excavated within the temple grounds. It is widely known as Japan's oldest surviving stone image of Maitreya. This exceptionally rare sculpture offers a direct view of ancient Maitreya devotion carved in stone and is now enshrined in the Miroku Hall. It is normally closed to the public; the next special opening is scheduled for January 1–31, 2027.
Higashinarukawa Kannon Association (Ogenji Temple)
Buddhist Image Seated Fukukensaku Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市東鳴川町31
Visiting Status Open on the first Sunday of each month (9:00–16:00)
NobilityDepthMystery
The Important Cultural Property seated wooden Fukukensaku Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the Main Hall of Ogenji Temple and cared for by the Higashinarukawa Kannon Association. Dating to the late Heian period, around the late 11th to early 12th century, the statue stands 90.6 cm high. It has one face, three eyes, and eight arms, wears a deerskin garment, and shows the elegant influence of the Jocho style in its balanced, relaxed proportions. It is regarded as a rare surviving image modeled on the former principal Fukukensaku Kannon of Kofukuji's Nanendo before that hall was destroyed. It is now open to the public from 9:00 to 16:00 on the first Sunday of each month.
Koninji Temple
Buddhist Image Kokuzo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市虚空蔵町46
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening November 1–30, 2026, 13:00–16:00)
MysteryDepthNobility
The hidden principal image of Koninji Temple is Kokuzo Bosatsu, traditionally attributed to Kobo Daishi. Long revered locally as the Kokuzo of Takahi, the image is especially associated with the Jusan-mairi pilgrimage, in which children around age thirteen pray for wisdom and good fortune. It remains the devotional center of the temple today. Normally kept hidden, the image will be specially opened to the public in the Main Hall from November 1 to 30, 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00.
Mizushi Kannon Myohoji Temple
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県橿原市東池尻町420
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–15:00)
GentlenessMysteryWarmth
The principal image of Mizushi Kannon Myohoji Temple is an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu associated with the Kannon devotion of Kibi no Makibi and also known as the “Spider Kannon” and “Wisdom Kannon.” It is a Hase-style Kannon holding a staff in the right hand and is thought to have been made by a Nanto Tsubai sculptor in the Kamakura period. Tradition also holds that a Bato Kannon image is enshrined inside the statue. The image remains an active focus of prayer for wishes, safe travel, and learning, and can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 15:00, including weekends and holidays.
Sesonji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県吉野郡大淀町比曽762
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00)
StillnessDepthNobility
The Main Hall of Sesonji Temple houses a standing wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon measuring 222 cm in height and carved from a single block of kaya wood. It is regarded as one of the oldest surviving wooden Buddhist sculptures in the Yoshino region and is thought to date from the late Nara period. Although the head was repaired in a later period, documents and scriptures found inside the statue record centuries of restoration and devotion. The image can normally be viewed in the Main Hall, and the temple is open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Nyoirinji Temple
Buddhist Image Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県吉野郡吉野町吉野山1024
Visiting Status Hidden image (special viewing on September 27, 2026)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The hidden principal image of Nyoirinji Temple is Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu. The temple is closely associated with Emperor Go-Daigo, who is traditionally said to have devoutly worshipped this image. The Main Hall is normally closed to the public, but on September 27, 2026, it will be specially opened for the memorial observance of Emperor Go-Daigo, allowing visitors to worship the hidden principal image directly. It is a rare devotional site where the history of the Southern Court in Yoshino and living Kannon faith intersect.
Sakuramotobo Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県吉野郡吉野町吉野山1269
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening once a year in spring; March 28–April 8 in 2026)
NobilityDepthMystery
The Important Cultural Property seated Shaka Nyorai preserved at Sakuramotobo Temple dates to the Asuka-Hakuho period. Temple tradition holds that Emperor Tenmu enshrined it as his personal devotional image when Sakuramotobo was founded. The temple describes it as the oldest surviving Buddhist image in the wider Omine mountain area from the same era as En no Gyoja. Normally kept hidden, it is opened to the public once a year during the spring cherry-blossom season; in 2026 it was displayed in the Main Hall from March 28 to April 8. It is one of Sakuramotobo's defining images, linking the history of Yoshino Shugendo with Emperor Tenmu's devotion.
Dainichiji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Five Wisdom Buddhas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県吉野郡吉野町吉野山2357
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00)
SolemnityDepthNobility
The Main Hall of Dainichiji Temple houses an Important Cultural Property group of five seated Wisdom Buddhas dating to the Fujiwara period. Dainichi Nyorai occupies the center, surrounded by Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, Ashuku Nyorai, and Hosho Nyorai. It is rare for all five images to survive together as a complete ensemble, and their calm, refined forms convey the ordered solemnity of the esoteric Buddhist cosmos. The group can normally be viewed inside the Main Hall from 9:00 to 17:00.
Tosenji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Amida Nyorai and Attendant Statues Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県大和郡山市洞泉寺町15-1
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Main Hall 10:00–16:00; no reservation required for the special opening on November 7–8, 2026)
PeacefulnessRefinementDepth
The Main Hall of Tosenji Temple enshrines an Important Cultural Property group consisting of a standing Amida Nyorai and two attendant figures. All three statues are thought to date from around the mid-Kamakura period and are made in joined-block construction with crystal eyes. Their balanced facial features are especially refined, while the central Amida's robes display flowing folds and elaborate cut-gold patterns characteristic of Kamakura-period Buddhist sculpture. Main Hall viewing normally requires advance reservation, but the statues will be specially opened without reservation on November 7–8, 2026.
Chionji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県葛城市寺口706
Visiting Status Open on the 17th of each month (10:00–14:00, except June) and on the fourth Sunday of April for the Yakushi ceremony
GentlenessNobilityStillness
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Eleven-Faced Kannon at Chionji Temple is preserved in the temple's treasure hall. Carved from a single block of cypress, it is thought to date from the early to mid-Heian period. Its slender nose, softly smiling lips, and relaxed stance with the weight subtly shifted from the right leg create a calm and refined presence. Public viewing is limited to the Kannon observance on the 17th of each month except June and the Yakushi ceremony on the fourth Sunday of April, both from 10:00 to 14:00 without reservation.
Matsuodera Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Kannon (Yakuyoke Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県大和郡山市山田町683
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every November 3, 9:00–16:00)
SolemnityMysteryGentleness
The hidden principal image of Matsuodera Temple is a standing Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Kannon known as the Yakuyoke Kannon. The statue is 177.3 cm high and made in joined-block construction from cypress. In addition to the forty-two principal arms, numerous smaller hands are attached to the halo, each bearing an eye, creating an unusual and powerful iconography. Thought to date from the early Muromachi period, the image has long been venerated for protection from misfortune. It is normally kept hidden and is specially opened in the Main Hall every November 3 from 9:00 to 16:00.
Anyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Amida Nyorai by Kaikei Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県磯城郡田原本町八尾40
Visiting Status Special opening September 19–27, 2026 (weekdays at 10:00 and 14:00; weekends and holidays 10:00–16:00)
PeacefulnessRefinementNobility
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Amida Nyorai at Anyoji Temple is enshrined as a guest image in the Amida Hall. Inscriptions on the foot tenon, including the name Kojo An Amidabutsu, identify it as a work by the renowned Kamakura-period sculptor Kaikei. It is thought to date to around 1201–1204, during Kaikei's mature period. Flowing robe folds and the subdued gold finish produced with the fundami technique preserve characteristic features of Kaikei's sculpture, and the image closely resembles the Amida Nyorai in Todaiji's Shunjodo. Normally closed to the public, it is specially opened without reservation from September 19 to 27, 2026.
Jokakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Fugen Enmei Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県五條市西吉野町黒淵1321
Visiting Status Advance contact required (prayer reception and viewing 9:00–14:30)
DepthMysteryStillness
The principal image of Jokakuji Temple is an Important Cultural Property, a seated wooden Fugen Enmei Bosatsu dating to the late Heian period. This form of Fugen, associated with prayers for longevity, is comparatively rare in Japanese Buddhist sculpture. Temple tradition says Kobo Daishi carved the image from a sacred tree, and it has long been affectionately known locally as the 'Fugen-san of Anou.' Formerly kept as a hidden image, it has been opened for worship since 2016. Visitors should contact the temple in advance; prayer reception and viewing are generally available from 9:00 to 14:30, with other times by consultation.
Todaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Hachiman Deity in Monk Form Category Other
奈良県奈良市雑司町406-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, approximately 10:00–16:00)
DignityTense PresenceDepth
The National Treasure seated Hachiman deity in monk form is enshrined in the Hachiman Hall of Todaiji's Kanjin-sho. Carved and painted in 1201 by the celebrated sculptor Kaikei, it was originally the sacred image of Todaiji's guardian Hachiman shrine, now Tamukeyama Hachimangu. The sharply raised brows, fine wrinkles around the mouth, and vivid realism convey the intensity of Kamakura-period sculpture while preserving a strong sense of divine authority. Normally closed to the public, it is specially opened every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, from around 10:00 to 16:00.
Todaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Goko Shiyui Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
奈良県奈良市雑司町406-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, approximately 10:00–16:00)
MysteryDepthWarmth
The Important Cultural Property seated Goko Shiyui Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Amida Hall of Todaiji's Kanjin-sho. Dating to the 13th century Kamakura period, the wooden image stands 106 cm high. It represents Amida Nyorai contemplating for the immeasurably long period of five kalpas in order to fulfill the Forty-Eight Vows; its most distinctive feature is the great mass of hair said to have grown during that endless meditation. Temple tradition associates the image with Chogen and with a form brought from Song China. Normally closed to the public, it is specially opened every October 5 after the Tegai-e ceremony, from around 10:00 to 16:00.
Saidaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Lifelike Portrait Statue of Eison (Kosho Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市西大寺芝町1丁目1-5
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Aizen Hall 8:30–16:30; reception until 16:00)
DignityDepthStillness
The National Treasure lifelike portrait statue of Eison, posthumously known as Kosho Bosatsu, is enshrined in the memorial chamber of Saidaiji Temple's Aizen Hall. This painted wooden portrait was completed in 1280 to commemorate Eison's eightieth year while he was still alive. Measuring 91 cm high, it preserves the aged monk's features and bodily presence with striking realism. Because it was created during his lifetime, it became the foundational model for later portrait statues of Eison at temples throughout Japan. It can now be viewed during regular admission to Aizen Hall.
Kofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Statues of Asanga and Vasubandhu Category Other
奈良県奈良市登大路町48
Visiting Status Special opening October 24–November 8, 2026 (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:45)
DepthDignityStillness
The National Treasure standing wooden statues of Asanga and Vasubandhu are enshrined in Kofukuji Temple's North Octagonal Hall. Created in the Kamakura period, they portray the 5th-century Indian brothers who played a central role in the development of Yogacara Buddhism. The Asanga statue is 194.7 cm high and the Vasubandhu statue 191.6 cm. Under the direction of Unkei, Asanga was carved by Unjo and Vasubandhu by Unka. Asanga appears as an elderly man gazing downward, while the younger Vasubandhu looks into the distance, producing an extraordinary sense of individual personality and inner life. The hall will be specially opened from October 24 to November 8, 2026, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Horinji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Myoken Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県生駒郡斑鳩町三井1570
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening November 1–8, 2026, 9:00–16:00; last admission 15:50)
MysteryTense PresenceDepth
The hidden principal image of Horinji Temple's Myoken Hall is a standing Myoken Bosatsu thought to date from around the 11th century and sometimes described as the oldest surviving wooden image of Myoken. Myoken personifies the North Star in Buddhist belief. The figure has one face and four arms, holding a scroll and brush as well as the sun and moon, and stands upon a blue dragon. Its expression combines compassion with stern intensity, preserving an important image of Heian-period Myoken devotion. Normally closed to the public, it will be specially opened in the Myoken Hall from November 1 to 8, 2026, from 9:00 to 16:00.
Taima-dera Sainan-in
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県葛城市當麻1263
Visiting Status Special opening November 21–30, 2026 (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:30)
GentlenessRefinementNobility
The principal image of Taima-dera Sainan-in is an Important Cultural Property standing Eleven-Faced Kannon dating to the Konin period. Also known as the 'Kannon of a Single Prayer,' it has long been worshipped for healing from illness and for good fortune. The image bears eleven transformed faces above the head; while its expression retains a certain severity, the refined eyes and features and well-balanced body convey a calm sense of compassion. The temple grounds can normally be visited, but the three Kannon images in the Main Hall are shown during special openings; in 2026 they can be viewed from November 21 to 30.
Daianji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Bato Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
奈良県奈良市大安寺2-18-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (special opening every March 1–31, 9:00–17:00; last admission 16:00)
PowerMysteryDepth
The Important Cultural Property standing wooden Bato Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in Daianji Temple's Ibara Hall. Carved from a single block of wood in the Nara period, it stands 173.5 cm high. Unlike the familiar form of Horse-Headed Kannon, it bears no horse head above the crown; instead, necklaces, snakes coiled around the ankles, and an animal skin at the waist create an exceptionally unusual iconography that may preserve an early form of Bato Kannon. Although officially designated as a Thousand-Armed Kannon, temple tradition has long identified and worshipped it as Bato Kannon for protection from misfortune. Normally hidden, it is specially opened every March 1–31.